19
Mar
5 Commonly Asked Questions About Botox for TMJ Treatment
Do you experience constant jaw pain or headaches? It could be related to something in your jaws. Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) is a group of conditions that affect the two jaw joints (TMJs) on either side of your face. Unfortunately, TMJ pain can deteriorate your quality of life, affecting talking, sleeping, and concentrating.
Have you been looking for TMJ pain relief without success? Botox treatment at A Brush Above Family Dentistry is a non-surgical yet effective solution for TMJ pain. Ready to get started? Reserve a consultation with Drs. Marcella Guzman, Philip Fidel, and Rosa Sinno as your first step towards a painless life.
1. What is Botox?
Botox (botulinum toxin) is a natural modulator that reduces muscle contractions. Botox doesn’t affect the muscles themselves but disrupts the communication between the muscles and nerves, reducing involuntary contractions.
For medical Botox, the dentist injects the product into the temporalis and masseter muscles, which are heavily involved in grinding and clenching. Botox into these muscles inhibits their ability to tighten to their full extent. Fewer contractions in the overactive muscles reduce tension, jaw pain, and other TMJ-related symptoms.
2. What can I expect during the procedure?
The procedure typically takes about 30 minutes so that it can be completed over your lunch break. Before treatment, we’ll apply a topical anesthetic to numb the injection sites. Once you are at ease, we’ll inject Botox into the target muscles. The procedure is quick and painless.
3. Are there side effects of Botox?
Some discomfort may occur but usually subsides within a day or two. Most patients experience mild swelling, tenderness, and bruising at the injection sites. A common misconception is that Botox “freezes” facial expressions. In reality, Botox relaxes the overactive muscles responsible for teeth grinding and jaw clenching to alleviate TMJ pain. This relaxation doesn’t hinder natural movements, so you can still smile and chew easily.
4. How long does Botox take to kick in?
When you’re dealing with TMJ pain, relief can’t come soon enough, so it’s natural to wonder how quickly Botox will take effect. While Botox isn’t instant, most patients start noticing relief within 7-10 days.
Here’s why:
Your muscles rely on a neurotransmitter called acetylcholine to contract. After a Botox injection, it takes time for the acetylcholine levels to deplete. Once they drop and are no longer replenished to their normal levels, the treated muscles relax, easing tension and reducing TMJ pain. While the wait may require some patience, the relief that follows is well worth it.
Call our office for more information
New Patients: (773) 840-0378 | Existing Patients: (773) 276-0300
Request an Appointment
5. Is Botox a permanent solution for TMJ disorders?
No, Botox provides temporary relief from TMJ symptoms. It addresses the muscle tension and pain but does not cure the underlying cause. Gradually, the body breaks down the product, and the effects fade over time. Since Botox is naturally eliminated from the body, follow-up treatments are needed to maintain results.
Botox treatment near me!
If you or your loved one experience persistent jaw pain or headaches, we invite you to set up a consultation with A Brush Above Family Dentistry. Don’t let TMJ pain prevent you from living your best life. Call (773) 840-0378 and book your visit today!
Dr. Marcella Guzman
Dr. Marcella Guzman is an admired dental professional renowned for her unwavering commitment to excellence in patient care, with a rich background in biology and sociology. Since graduating from The University of Illinois Dental School in 1994, she has enhanced her skills through extensive continuing education, specializing in cutting-edge technologies such as Cerec 3-D, sleep apnea, Invisalign, and laser dentistry. Her dedication to staying up-to-date on the latest advancements ensures that her patients receive top-notch care. A distinguished member of The American Dental Association and Chicago Dental Society, Dr. Guzman's wealth of experience, coupled with her compassionate approach, establishes her as a trusted specialist in the field of dentistry.